The use of hydrofluoric acid in art glass dates back several centuries. It is not often used by many studios, but remains the most effective way to produce subtle variations in color, texture, and shading. Derix has created an elaborate acid etching facility, allowing acid strength and application to be minutely adjusted during the process. Lighting underneath and beside the tanks allow the work to be monitored constantly, and in safety and comfort. Air intakes along the edges of the tanks remove the vapor so that artists and artisans can work without an uncomfortable chemical mask. Many artists prefer to do their own acid etching at our studio.

Perhaps the most effective use of acid etching is to remove layers of color from hand blown flashed glass. Flashed glass has a thin layer of color produced during theblowing process. Using a great variety of resist materials available, and the color can be removed in very subtle gradations, allowing water color like effects to be produced.

 

Many types of materials are used as a resist for both acid and sand etching. They include hand and computer cut vinyl resists, white glue, wax, asphaltum and photo sensitive emulsions . Many times these different resists are combined to create the effect desired by the artist.

Using weak acid allows the etched glass to maintain the liquid smooth surface throughout the composition, with no loss of transparency. Conversely, stronger acid can also be used to create different levels of visual opacity, ranging from a soft matt to a fine white. Acid mixed with various mediums to produce pastes allow the artists to apply the acid in a variety of different ways. Big brushstrokes require big brushes